The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has announced plans to create and publish guidelines to assist security agencies in cases of doctor kidnappings within the FCT.
Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, Chairman of NMA-FCT, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, stating that the guideline would outline procedures for informing security agencies and the possibility of suspending medical services if no progress is made within 24 hours of a doctor’s abduction.
The decision follows the recent abduction of Dr. Chammah McSampson, a dental surgeon with Smile Dental Clinic, along Airport Road in Abuja. McSampson was kidnapped on March 10 and released on March 14 after a ransom was paid.
Ugwuanyi expressed deep concern over the security situation in the FCT, emphasizing the association’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its members. He lamented the delay in meeting with the FCT minister despite multiple attempts.
The NMA-FCT congress highlighted the need for collaboration between private individuals, professional associations, religious organizations, and security agencies to address insecurity in the FCT and Nigeria as a whole.
Ugwuanyi urged NMA-FCT members to enhance their security awareness and adopt measures to reduce their vulnerability to kidnappers and criminals, such as avoiding late-night travels and modifying how they store contact information on their phones.
Additionally, he appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration Hospital Management Board (FCTA-HMB) to consider doctors’ proximity to hospitals to mitigate security risks.
NMA-FCT plans to engage with other professional bodies and associations to address insecurity challenges in the FCT and seek solutions. The association also intends to meet with the Director-General of the Department of State Security and other security agencies to express its concerns.
